Black Widow: It’s Been A While For The MCU
Wow. I hadn’t realized just how long it’s been since we saw an MCU film hit the big screen.
However, Anhar Karim reminded readers it’s been a while; a long, long while.
Black Widow Ends The Drought
After 2019’s Spider-Man: Far From Home, the next entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Widow, was slated to hit theaters in the United States on May 1, 2020. However, when nationwide lockdowns over the Coronavirus went into effect, Disney decided to push this release date to November 6th. Thus, this new 16-month wait creates the longest gap between Marvel Cinematic Universe films that audiences have seen in over ten years.
Of course, the almost two-year gap between The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man 2 beats this wait time by far. However, this new gap is still the longest in recent memory for the Marvel fanbase.
Tenet’s Big Test
Meanwhile, outside the Marvel bubble, peeps have been waiting a while for EVERYTHING. Obviously, folks are waiting out Covid-19 with good reason. And, even with Black Widow due to bow on November 6, there’s no guarantee anything will happen when it’s supposed to.
Mr. Karim pointed to one movie, in particular — slated for July 31 — as a bellwether for any upcoming blockbusters.
Hollywood is looking to test these waters with a few upcoming high profile releases, most prominently Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated action film Tenet. Disney will no doubt be watching the reception to this film and others like it closely to make final calls about Black Widow.
Mulan and Marvel (and Black Widow)
Certainly, Mulan on July 24, may also be a summer tentpole.
“So, will fans abandon the film if Marvel makes them wait too long for it?” asked Karim. “Most likely not.
“Marvel fans have stuck with this franchise for over a decade now, remaining avid followers of the series’ complex and interconnected story through lows of lesser sequels and the highs of massive crossover events. Marvel has earned the audience’s trust.
“So, whenever the film does come out, fans will be as eager as ever to go and see it.”
And you may count me among those eager fans. Of course, I’ll bring the mask and hand sanitizer with me!